The Tennessee Lady Vols have finally done it. For the first time since 2007, the storied program has defeated the UConn Huskies, reclaiming a victory in one of the most intense rivalries in women’s college basketball history. The win marks the end of a frustrating drought for Tennessee fans who have long waited for their program to once again best Geno Auriemma’s squad.
However, to truly understand the significance of this win, one must revisit the history and context of this legendary rivalry—especially the way it ended on Pat Summitt’s terms nearly two decades ago.
A Rivalry That Defined Women’s College Basketball
The Tennessee-UConn rivalry was once the premier showdown in the sport, featuring elite talent, high-stakes battles, and two of the greatest coaches of all time—Pat Summitt and Geno Auriemma.
Tennessee dominated early, but by the 2000s, UConn had begun to take control of the series. That made Summitt’s final stand even more significant. When Tennessee and UConn last played in 2007, Summitt’s Lady Vols secured a dominant three-game win streak against the Huskies, effectively ending the series on top.
That streak included wins in Storrs, Knoxville, and on the road again, capped off by Candace Parker’s iconic dunk in Hartford, one of the most memorable moments in women’s college basketball history.
Why the Series Ended
The rivalry came to an abrupt end after the 2007 season, as Pat Summitt made the decision to halt the series. Though the exact reasons were never fully disclosed, reports suggested that Summitt was unhappy with recruiting tactics used by UConn and Auriemma, leading her to sever ties with the program.
At the time, Tennessee’s dominance over UConn was undeniable. Had the series continued, the Lady Vols would have hosted the Huskies in Knoxville in 2008, with Candace Parker still on the roster, in what could have been another defining chapter.
But it never happened. The rivalry went dormant for over a decade, and by the time it resumed in 2020, Tennessee was no longer the powerhouse it once was.
Finally, A Return to Glory
This recent win over UConn is about more than just ending a losing streak—it’s about Tennessee reasserting itself as a national powerhouse. For years, the program has struggled to reach the heights of the Summitt era, with fans longing for the dominance that once defined Lady Vols basketball.
This victory is a statement—a sign that Tennessee is back on the rise. It’s a tribute to Summitt’s legacy, a reminder that the Lady Vols are still a force to be reckoned with, and a step toward rekindling one of the sport’s greatest rivalries.
Pat Summitt may no longer be with us, but her legacy still looms large over every Tennessee-UConn showdown. And for Lady Vols fans, this win is for her.